Working with SRK Consulting colleagues in Vancouver, Canada, SRK Consulting’s office in Cape Town has recently conducted preliminary groundwater modelling to assist a mining client in South America to find an environmentally sustainable solution for managing brine emanating from mine tailings.
According to Sheila Imrie, SRK principal hydrogeologist and specialist groundwater numerical modeller, the management of waste brines is a common challenge for mines
worldwide, and the client is investigating the options for disposing of sodium chloride (NaCl) brine over a 23‑year mine life and potentially after closure.
“A number of brine management options were evaluated for the project to consider at prefeasibility stage,” said Imrie, “all of which had to take into account the relevant environmental regulations in conjunction with the geological setting and other conditions in
the mining area.”
Content provided by: Sheila Imrie (SRK Consulting)
Acknowledgement: Borehole Water Journal Onine
